Northeast Wild

  The 38,488-acre Hoffman Notch Wilderness is located northwest of Schroon Lake-it is bordered on its east by the Adirondack Northway (I-87), on the north by Blue Ridge Road, and Hoffman Road to its south. For the winter adventurer, the area offers some easy to moderate trails to check out on skis or snowshoes, as well as some special rewards for the explorer who is willing to venture off the official trails.  While the area has in the past had just 15 miles of officially-marked trails, that is about to change with a new route that will travel over Jones Hill while connecting the Big Pond Trail to the Dirgylot Hill trailhead. This will also become a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT).  The trail-less Blue Ridge Range and its highest point, 3,693-foot Hoffman Mountain, dominate the landscape, however, there are several small peaks in the area that might be attractive to the seeker of views. In the southeast corner of the wilderness area and just north...

  September 14, 2026 - JONES HILL hike from Hoffman Road west of Schroon Lake. Hoffman Notch Wilderness. Big Pond trail for 1+ miles then R on newish red trail. Some ups and downs. 100 yard side-trip on path with paint blazes to North Pond (1250'), 3 guys fishing. Uphill for a while, found some edible lobsters! Down a bit then steep climb with some rock, blueberry, and lichens. View SE including Pharaoh Mountain. View of Schroon Lake from false summit. Down a bit then gentle climb to actual summit (1882'). Views of Hoffman Mountain (3693'), Peaked Hills and the Dixes in the distance to the north. Very nice trail. 8+ miles, 5.7 hours. Mostly sunny, 60-65°F, some wind gusts, dewpoint low 40s. Minimal mosquito activity. Quite a few colorful sugar maple leaves on the ground.  Aug, 2022 -  NCT hard working volunteers spent a four-day weekend benching new tread on the east side of Jones Hill in Hoffman Notch Wilderness in New York’s Adirondack Park. The route yet to be bench...

  Mar 5, 2022 - Started at the Dirgylot Hill trailhead (el 885'), woods road thru giant culvert under the Northway.  0.7 miles to a T, then R.  Gain (gross uphill travel) of 213' in 1st mile (makes for a fun run out at the end of the day).  The woods road soon fades into a path marked with ax blazes & leaning sticks - noted some cedars in here & some large white pines.  Steep drop to a stream crossing & steep uphill to pick up the path again.  Gain of 177' in 2nd mile.  Joined an old road that parallels 17th Brook - now climbing moderately, sometimes steeply - some lovely ash trees in this stretch, unfortunately some were blowdown across our route & made the going more challenging.  Gain of 459' in our 3rd mile.  The old road finally levels out a bit & is quite clear going thru softwoods.  Our highest elevation 1,705'.  Crossed the brook & bushwhacked N to a small remote pond that lies W of Wyman Hill.  ...